5 Reasons to Optimize Data Center Hardware, Racks, and Equipment
The following is a brief overview of what can happen when data center hardware is not optimized.
1. Frequent failures lead to downtime
The placement of servers and data center equipment and the layout of server rooms will directly affect the performance and condition of related hardware. Cooling, for example, is very important – which is why data centers need such robust climate control systems and why they face the climate crisis.
A proper layout that takes into account optimized airflow, cooling, placement, and performance can greatly improve operations and reduce cooling costs to keep the data center at the proper temperature. Most importantly, well-maintained equipment lasts longer and has fewer breakdowns or failures, allowing data centers to achieve uninterrupted service uptime.
2. Smarter maintenance options
Server layout, including data center racks, affects speed, ease of service, and potential opportunities for maintenance teams.
When equipment is more accessible, workers can get to it faster and have more mobility to work on, which can speed up the process. This includes properly organizing and labeling racks so IT knows exactly where to go and what to swap in the event of a failure.
Proper organization and labeling also ensures that predictive or proactive maintenance is possible, which can prevent major problems rather than resorting to a reactive approach after an unfortunate occurrence.
Using the correct rack mount kit is critical to a well designed and planned system throughout the server farm. They will help ensure proper spacing between components to make sure there is enough room for all the hardware. Not having enough space can cause the system to overheat and cause downtime or damage. Using the right hardware can add value and create a smarter, faster-paced environment.
3. Reduce associated costs
Data centers are expensive to operate for a number of reasons, including the powerful hardware contained within them. When you optimize data center hardware, you are ensuring its health and performance.
The harder a server and its components work, the more heat it generates, the shorter its overall lifespan, and the more expensive it is. The goal is to minimize bearing stresses as much as possible to create better operation. That's the idea behind the massive climate control and cooling systems that keep optimal temperatures in server rooms because heat can stress electronics.
Thus, an optimal layout in terms of design and organization can reduce operating costs and reduce hardware failures or breakdowns—another form of cost savings.
4. Save space
Data center equipment needs enough space for proper airflow. With proper organization, a lot of excess space that a machine would otherwise take up can be reduced.
Space savings can provide additional performance and service improvements across operations, as it makes equipment more accessible, reduces the overall square footage needed to keep it running, and reduces the amount of cooling required. Smaller spaces are easier to climate control. A key factor here is the organization of the data center racks, as the more server racks an enclosure can accommodate, the less total space the entire operation will take up.
It is important to consider optimal placement, temperature and performance. The more racks in the system, the more likely there is to be a problem under heavy load. You need to ensure safe airflow within the case and around the hardware, and install relevant monitors to check health and temperature.
5. The need for virtual mobility
Server virtualization benefits the data center because it increases server hardware utilization. In other words, you can generate higher performance and more service options with virtual machines (VMs).
The problem is that VM platforms must remain dynamic and mobile. Virtual machines often need to be moved, including -- from time to time -- between multi-location data centers. For example, a natural disaster will hit the local center, requiring quick retrieval and movement of virtual machines residing on its internal hardware.
Alternatively, active VMs may need to be moved to maintain or load balance. These simply cannot be done unless data center hardware and software are optimized in all respects.
You must take a consistent and reliable approach to the process. This is not a one-time task. Find ways to monitor progress and continue to assess what can be done to improve or update the layout.
Looking to the future
There's no doubt that administrators are always looking to future technologies and solutions, looking for better ways to improve their data center hardware. However, another approach should be taken here instead of just looking for a better technique.
Administrators should continue to evaluate potential applications in terms of how and where they will help with organization, performance, and optimization. For example, take a moment to consider how edge computing can reduce latency for end users, and how it can improve data center performance and reduce costs. Another great example is how machine learning can help create optimized layouts and solutions for active data centers that are updated in real time.